The old 17th century doocot (dovecot) at Newhailes has recently been renovated with a new roof and the flight holes and perches reinstated. In the past, rich landowners had a special building for pigeons or doves to nest as the birds were important food sources for their eggs, meat, dung and feathers.  This one has 614 nesting boxes. 
Last year the National Trust of Scotland constructed a new playpark, Weehailes, beside the doocot and our visiting grandchildren enjoyed climbing and crawling around the structures and thought it was ideal for young children.